Conversation with… Leanna Brennan of Wingstop UK
Here we chat with Leanna Brennan, Senior People Partner at Wingstop UK, about what drives her passion for people, how she’s helped shape culture at one of the UK’s fastest-growing brands, and the advice she’d give anyone looking to build a long-term, purpose-led career.
Tell us about your journey to your current role
Subscribe to TRBI studied hospitality management before taking a placement with a national casual dining brand, where I worked my way from part‑time team member to supervisor and eventually onto the management pathway.
After completing my CIPD Level 5 while working as a General Manager, I moved into people roles, progressing through EG Group, then spending nearly three years at Revolution Bars Group before joining Wingstop UK as Senior People Partner.
The more I learned, the more I realised my passions sat with helping teams grow, building culture, and making every decision count for people.
You’ve had a standout year, from speaking at Retail HR North to being part of the winning team at the People in Retail Awards 2025. Looking back, what moments have most shaped your career journey so far?
I always go back to being an operator. I’ve worked in big businesses, some thriving and some that have encountered a lot of challenge. Being on the shop floor showed me how decisions made by HR and operations land in real life. You see the effect not just on work, but on people’s lives. That experience gave me the appetite to move into the people space, and it still guides every decision I make today.
Which core principles guide the way you lead and work, and how have they influenced your approach within the Wingstop culture?
For me it’s simple. Be a good human. Listen well. If you’re fortunate enough to influence culture and decisions, make choices with your teams’ best interests at heart. At Wingstop we take a lot of small, everyday decisions, and we explore them all through a people lens.
Wingstop is known for its energy, pace, and people‑first ethos. What do you love most about working there, and how do you see your role evolving as the brand continues to grow?
Opportunity. Our senior leadership is open‑minded and encourages fresh ideas. Innovation and entrepreneurialism are strongly encouraged, so if you can show the benefit, there’s room to try. We’ve grown fast, which means there are pockets of opportunity to refine, improve, and build. Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep shaping culture and development. In time, I’d love to step into a Head of People role and continue doing what I do now at greater scale.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in retail HR, especially those aspiring to build a long‑term, purpose‑led career like yours?
Get the operational experience. Boots on the ground will accelerate your development more than anything else. When you move into a people role, keep your feet on the ground, stay curious, ask questions. The closer you stay to customer and team sentiment, the better your judgement becomes.
Join us at TRB’s next retail HR event in Birmingham on 14 May. Find out more and reserve free places here
